Underspeed governor mechanism



May 31, 1960 w. J. WILLIAMS UNDERSPEED GOVERNOR MECHANISM 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 14, 1957 INVENTOR.

W/l/lfi? J Wi/l/ams BY I ATTaPA/EY May 31, 1960 Filed Oct. 14, 1957 W. J. WILLIAMS UNDERSPEED GOVERNOR MECHANISM 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 film 3W 7 TORNQY 2,938,975 Patented May 31, 1960 United States Patent ()jfi UNDERSPEED GOVERNOR MECHANISM William J. Williams, Wilmette, Ill. (8151 N. Ridgeway Ave., Skokie, 11].)

Filed Oct. 14, 1957, Ser. No. 689,966

7 Claims. (Cl. 200-80) This invention relates to an underspeed governor mechanism and has for its object to provide a control adapted to be connected with various installations in which it is desired to change a switch or other controlling or actuating device upon a reduction in speed of the part of such installation translated into the speed of the governor shaft of my improved invention, so that unless a desired speed is maintained, a control will be automatically effected by my underspeed governor mechanism.

, A "further object of this invention includes the provision of means to adjust the speed below which said governor actuated mechanism operates such switch, the adjustment being possible during running of said governor.

Further objects and advantages are within the scope of this invention such as relate to the arrangement, operation and function of'the related elements of the structure; to various details of construction and to combinations of parts, elements per se, and to economies of manufacture and numerous other features as will be apparent from a consideration of the specification and drawings of a form of the invention, which may be preferred, in which:

Figure I is a sectional elevation of one embodiment of my invention;

Figure II is a sectional elevation of the embodiment of Figure I, showing the parts in operating position;

Figure III is a sectional elevation of an alternate form of my invention, wherein additional weights are used;

Figure IV is a sectional elevation of another alternate form of my invention, wherein range springs are used;

Figure V is a partial section taken on the line V-'V of Figure I;

pin 20, fixed to rotary bracket of supporting means 14. The plunger 18 has a collar 22, as shown, and weights 15 have a short cam arm 23 to engage the upper surface 24 Figure VI is an elevation taken from the position Figure VIII is a section taken on the line VIII-VIII of Figure III;

Figure IX is a section taken on the line IX-IX of Figure IV.

The two part housing has a lower portion 10 and upper housing 11. These two parts are adjustable to raise or lower one part carrying the switching means, relative to the other part, to vary the various set points at which any given installation of governor cutoff switching mechanism may operate.

One embodiment of my invention is shown in Figures I and II. The lower part of housing 10 contains the governor drive shaft 12, carrying within the housing, the rotatable support 14 for the governor flyweights 15,

the support 14 being fixed to the shaft 12 in theillustraof said collar 22. A coiled spring 25 is interposed between collar 22 and the base of rotary support 14, to normally urge the plunger 18 upwardly.

The upper end 27 of plunger 18 is adapted to contact self returning switch pin 28 of the switching mechanism, which pin depends from the switch unit 29, the same being carried or supported from the top of the upper housing portion 11 as shown.

In the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figure III, I provide an assembly of governor weights in a governor mechanism of the kind described, in which I provide means for adding extra weights to the flyweights. To this end, as shown in Figures III and VIII, I cut away the bracket 14, as indicated at 34, so that transverse weights 35, 36, 37, and 38 may be positioned on the lower end of the flyweights 15, which weights are pivoted at P in the other embodiment. In Figure VIII, I show a detail of an arrangement for adding these weights. This consists of a transverse pin or a rivet 40, passing through suitable openings 41 in the bottom of the flyweights 15, which rivets may have a head 42 on one end, and when the weights are assembled to the fly arm 15', as shown in Figure VIII, the other end 43 is riveted down as indicated, to hold the extra weights 35, 36, 37 and 38, as shown. In this embodiment, therefore, by attaching desirable auxiliary weights as indicated, I obtain a governor controlled mechanism which will trip at lower speeds, with the type of mechanism illustrated in Figures I and II, since the added weights will effect a lower speed operation.

In this embodiment, it will be noted that the sliding plunger 18 has two collarscollar 24 and added collar 24, the cam surface 23 contacting both said collars so that the plungerl-8 is moved in both directions directly by the flyweights, and the spring 25 shown may be used merely to keep the cams in contact with the collars.

However in Figures IV and IX, an important feature is added in the range springs 45, which may be properly tensioned and attached to the bottom of the flyweights 15" to prevent a low speed operation of the governor mechanism, so that the tripping is obtained at higher speeds. Referring to Figure IX, it will be seen that here I provide cross pins 46, passing through the flyweights 15" through opening 47, said pins 46 being long enough to extend outside the 'U-shaped bracket 14. These pins are fixed to the fiyweights as by welding or the like. As indicated, the springs 45 have an eye formed terminal 48,

which may be suitably secured to the pins 46, as indicated.

The tension of springs 45 may be varied to suit the requirements of any particular installation. To adjust the speed at which the switch will operate, I show in Figures V and VI three circumferentially arranged inclined slots 32 in the upper housing part 11. The lower fixed part of the governor housing 10 is provided with set screws 33, adapted to be positioned within said slots 32, so that by twisting the upper housing portion 11, the position of the switch pin 28 longitudinally in the line of the governor shaft, will be varied by reason of this pin and slot connecnism as an underspeed governor for controlling electric circuits in any desired system. In this case, the shaft 12 .is connected to be driven by any suitable connection with a mechanical, electrical, or other form of mechanism to be controlled and is arranged, in Figures I and 11, so that when the plunger 18 is moved to its upper position for any particular setting of the adjustable top portion 11, relative to the base 19 of the housing, the same operates the switching mechanism 29 by contact with the depending pin element 28 to break or make a circuit as desired, Assume in the position of Figure I, an electrical circuit to some mechanism is thereby broken, when the governor is at substantially zero position. Upon increase of speed, the governor weights will tend to move outwardly, as indicated, but the strength of spring 25 will continue to hold the plunger 18 in upward position until a predetermined speed has been reached, by way of illustration- 200 r.p.m. for the governor shaft 12. Above this speed of 200 r.p.m., the plunger 18 is moved downwardly and away from the switch pin 28, so that the electrical circuit referred to is now made (or broken) by the inherent switch mechanism and certain operating conditions in the mechanism with which the governor is used, continue. (See Figure II.) However, if the speed of the governor drops so that it again passes below 200 r.p.rn., then the spring 25 will overcome the centrifugal force of the weights 15 and open the circuit controlled by the switch mechanism 29, since the plunger 18 is moved into contact with the depending pin 28 and trips the switching mechanism. As the mechanism may still continue to operate "without stopping altogether or coming back to zero, if the speed of the governor again passes above the 200 rpm. mark, the switch circuit will be remade (or broken). In this way, I have provided an underspeed governor so that as the plunger 18 is moved downwardly on an increased speed, such action permits the inherent construction of the switch mechanism 29 to provide for a normal running speed above-say 200 r.p.m.of the shaft 12. The normal running speed of such a mechanism, in the assumed instance, being above the trip point at which my improved governor unit is set, it will be seen that unless the mechanism maintains its normal running speed, or above 200 rpm. in the assumed illustration, the switch mechanism will break (or make) certain circuits thereof, unless its normal running speed is maintained. It will be noted that as shown in Figure 11 the plunger or reciprocating member 18 is entirely out of contact with the pin 28 of the switch mechanism under these conditions, and since the switch mechanism is actuated from said member 18, wear and tear between the same and the button or pin 28 is thereby eliminated.

As indicated above and shown in the drawings, the set screw 33 and inclined slot 32 constitute a means for adjusting the speed at which the underspeed control shall operate since by unloosening the screw 33, the upper housing 11 may be twisted on its axis to raise and lower the same, and since the pin 28 of the switch mechanism is specially located substantially centrally of the housing 11, such turning for adjustment moves the pin 28 longitudinally toward or away from operating plunger 18 in the line of the axis of said operating plunger, which is turn is in axial alignment with the governor shaft 12. By so moving pin 28 relative to plunger 18, the speed at which my improved mechanism operates may be adjusted. After adjustment by screwing home on the set screw 33, the cover or upper housing portion 11 may be held to the base 10 in said fixed position of adjustment. Thus, not only may the various speeds at which the control is effective be varied as desired, but the same may be accomplished when the device is in operation.

It is apparent that, within the scope of the invention, modifications and different arrangements may be made other than is herein disclosed, and the present disclosure is illustrative merely, the invention comprehending all variations thereof.

What I claim is:

1. In a speed controlled switching mechanism arranged to actuate a switch upon a decrease of speed below a predetermined value; a governor unit having a governor shaft located centrally of a supporting base member; a cooperating housing member connected to said base por tion by a pin and inclined slot connection whereby the two parts of said housing may be held in various positions of adjustment one relative to the other; a switch unit carried by the cooperating housing member; a plurality of pivoted flyweights connected to be driven by said shaft; a sliding switch operating plunger aligned with said shaft; means interconnected between said flyweights and said sliding plunger and arranged to force said plunger in one direction away from said switch to maintain normal operation of a controlled mechanism for all governor speeds above a predetermined minimum and arranged to move said plunger in the opposite direction into switch contacting position and trip said switch upon decrease of said speed below said minimum, said connection between base member and said housing forming means whereby the position of the governor controlled plunger relative to the switch unit may be varied while the device is running and set at various positions of adjustment.

2. In a governor controlled switching mechanism adapted to actuate a switch upon a decrease of speed below a predetermined value; a governor unit having a governor shaft located centrally of a supporting base housing member; a cooperating switch carrying member connected to said base portion, the actuating element of the switching being in substantial axial alignment with the governor shaft; means whereby said base and said switch carrying member may be adjusted and held in various positions of adjustment, one relative to the other; a plurality of pivoted flyweights within said housing connected to be driven by said shaft; a sliding switch operating plunger aligned with both said shaft and said switch element; means interconnected between said flyweights and said sliding plunger and arranged to force said plunger in one direction away from said switch to maintain normal operation of a controlled mechanism for all governor speeds above a predetermined minimum and arranged to move said plunger in the opposite direction into switch contacting position and trip said switch upon decrease of said speed below said minimum, said means for adjusting the relative positions of said plunger and said switch element including an inclined slot in said switch carrying housing and a set screw passing through said inclined slot into screw threads fixed in said base member whereby turning said switch carrying member relative'to said base when said set screw is released adjusts said switch element toward or away from said operating plunger, said set screw forming means to lock said switch carrying member in the desired operating position.

3. In a governor controlled switching unit adapted to actuate a switch upon a decrease of speed below a predetermined valuc, a rotary shaft adapted to be driven at various speeds; housing means including a bearing for supporting said shaft, a plurality of pivoted fiyweights within said housing; means adapted to be driven by said shaft and pivotally support said fiyweights; a sliding switch operating plunger mounted in said housing; range springs attached to the ends of opposite fiyweights on the other end from the pivots thereof; spring means to move said sliding plunger in one direction into contact with the switch; means connected between said flyweights, having said range springs attached thereto and said plunger arranged to force said plunger in the opposite direction away from and out of contact with the switch, said plunger and switch being separated during normal operation of a controlled mechanism for all governor speeds above a predetermined minimum, said springs arranged to move said plunger into switch contacting position and trip said switch upon decrease of said speed below said minimum.

4. In a governor controlled switching unit adapted to actuate a switch upon a decrease of speed below a predetermined value, a rotary shaft adapted to be driven at various speeds; housing means including a bearing for supporting said shaft, a plurality of pivoted flyweights within said housing; means adapted to be driven by said shaft and pivotally support said flyweights; a sliding switch operating plunger mounted in said housing, said plunger having a plurality of spaced collars thereon; cam arms on said fiyweights positioned between said collars and arranged to engage both said collars; range springs'attached to the ends of opposite fiyweights on the other end from the pivots thereof, the mechanism arranged whereby said plunger is forced away from and maintained out of contact with said switch for all governor speeds above a predetermined minimum, said range springs arranged to urge said plunger through one of said collars and cam arms into switch contacting position upon decrease of speed below said minimum.

5. In an underspeed governor controlled switching unit arranged to actuate a switch .upon a decrease of speed below a predetermined value, a rotary shaft adapted to be driven at various speeds; housing means therefor including a bearing for supporting said shaft; a rotary support fixed to said shaft; spaced arms fixed to said support; a plurality of fiyweights within said housing pivoted to said arms and arranged to be rotated by said shaft; a switch unit carried by said housing, said switch having an operating element; a slidable switch operating 1 reciprocating member aligned with said shaft; a member fixed to said base and positioned centrally thereof, said members arranged in telescoping relationship; means interconnected between said flyweights and said sliding reciprocating member and arranged to move said reciprocating member in one direction away from said switch element and out of contact therewith during the normal operation of a controlled mechanism for all governor speeds above said predetermined minimum; and spring means separate from said reciprocating member and interposed between said support and said switch actuating reciprocating member to move said reciprocating member in the opposite direction to contact said switch element and actuate said switch upon a decrease of speed below said 6. In an underspeed governor controlled switching unit arranged to actuate a switch only upon a decrease of speed below a predetermined value, a rotary shaft adapted to be driven at various speeds; housing means including a bearing for supporting said shaft; a rotary base fixed to said shaft; spaced supporting arms fixed to said base; a plurality of tlyweights within said housing pivoted to the ends of said arms away from said base and anranged to be driven by said shaft; a switch unit carried by said housing, said switch having an operating element; a

sliding switch operating reciprocating member for actuating said element and arranged to be maintained out of contact with said switch at all speeds above said predetermined derived speed; a pin fixed to said base and positioned centrally thereof, said member having a hollow tubular portion slidably mounted over said pin; means interconnected between said flyweights and said sliding reciprocating member and arranged to maintain said reciprocating member out of contact with said switch element to maintain said reciprocating member and switch element separated during the normal operation of said mechanism for all governor speeds above said predetermined minimum; and a coiled spring arranged to move said reciprocating member against the action of said interconnected means to contact said switch element and actuate said switch element upon a decrease of speed below said minimum, said spring surrounding said tubular portion and interposed between said base and said interconnected means.

7. In an underspeed governor controlled switching unit arranged to actuate a switch upon a decrease of speed below a predetermined value, a rotary shaft adapted to be driven at various speeds; housing means therefor including a bearing for supporting said shaft; a rotary support fixed to said shaft; a pin aligned with said shaft fixed to said support; a closely fitting sleeve surrounding said pin; a collar connected with said sleeve and spaced from said rotary support; a plurality of pivot arms connected with said rotary base support; a plurality of flyweights within said housing pivoted to said arms at the outer ends thereof and arranged to be rotated by said shaft; a switch unit carried by said housing, said switch unit having an operating element; a slidable switch operating reciprocating member connected with said collar, said sleeve, collar and slidable switch operating member arranged to move in unison with said sleeve reciprocating on said pin; said flyweights having a cam element operating on one side of said collar and arranged to move said reciprocating member in one direction and in alignment with said shaft away from said switch element and out of contact therewith during the normal operating of a controlled mechanism for all governor speeds above said predetermined minimum; and a coil spring mounted outside said sleeve and interposed between the other side of said collar and said rotary support, said spring arranged to move said switch actuating reciprocating member in the opposite direction to contact said switch element and actuate said switch upon a decrease of speed below said minimum.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,324,516 Kalin July 20, 1943 2,669,619 Scheid et al Feb. 16, 1954 2,677,539 Winslow May 4, 1954 2,758,172 Kromholz Aug. 7, 1956 2,772,384 Unterreiner Nov. 27, 1956 2,856,479 Fletcher Oct. 14, 1958 

